Archives pop-up-shop!

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the archive service and what makes the documents we look after so special?

Find out more about archives – what they are, how the archive service looks after them and how you can use them, at our family friendly West Yorkshire Archive Service Pop-up-shop in the Ridings Centre on 21st, 22nd and 23rd August. Drop in and explore your local history!

Throughout each day there will be a range of free activities to have a go at and knowledgeable archive and conservation staff on site to answer any questions about the amazing collections that we care for. The shop will be on the Upper Mall in Unit 102, next to’ Created in Yorkshire’, and open from 10am to 4pm each day.

Please bring your own special dates, memories and copies of photos to add to our giant West Yorkshire timeline!

A host of free fun family activities will be taking place, including making a miners Davy lamp, creating a photo album and seal making, as well as storytelling based on stories from the archive collections on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon.

There will be a chance to use Ancestry.com to explore your family history online as well as a rare chance to see real historic documents and old photographs, including aerial photographs from West Yorkshire Archaeology Service to help visitors discover West Yorkshire through the ages.